Sydney Things to Do Tips by ValbyDK

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous 20th century buildings. Designed by Jørn Utzon and constructed under some controversy, it was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on October 20, 1973. The opening performance was Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.

For more details, check out my ‘Travelogue’ about the Sydney Opera House.

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As a Dane, the Sydney Opera House is even more special because the architect was Danish.

I had really great expectations about the Opera House, and I wasn't disappointed. The Sydney Opera House is an absolutely fantastic building with a lot of details.

We went on a one hour guided tour and had a look inside the major theatres and halls, saw the architecture up close and heard the stories of the Sydney Opera House.

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Website: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the main crossing of Sydney Harbour (between the Sydney central business district and the North Shore). The Bridge was opened in 1932 - and has a length of 1149 m and a height of 139 m.

Take a walk across the bridge and enjoy the view of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour. If you don't want to walk both ways, you can take the train from Milson Point Station (north) to Wynyard Station (south). Wynyard Station is in the centre of Sydney.

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Since 1998, BridgeClimb has made it possible to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a 3½ hour tour. During the climb, attendees are secured to the bridge by a wire lifeline.

You are not allowed to bring your own camera, but you can buy photos at the end of the tour.

Two of my friends climbed the bridge with BridgeClimb, and they both had a wonderful time.

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Address: 5 Cumberland St, The Rocks, Sydney
Website: www.bridgeclimb.com

The construction of Sydney Tower Centrepoint began in 1970 with the first 52 shops opening in 1972. The office component was completed in 1974 and the final stage of the complex: The Sydney Tower was opened to the public in 1981.

Sydney Tower is the highest point (250 m) above the city, with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the beautiful city. You'll be amazed by the fantastic views! This is a must in Sydney.

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Besides the spectacular view, the Sydney Tower also offers the OzTrek and the Sydney Skywalk.

The OzTrek is a ride with 180-degree cinema screens, special effects with surround sound and real-motion seating! I was not impressed by the OzTrek, but if you are travelling with kids this could be fun?

You can also try the Sydney Skywalk, which is an adventure walk outside the golden turret of Sydney Tower. I didn't go, so I can't comment.

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Address: 100 Market Street, Sydney
Website: www.sydneytoweroztrek.com.au

This tip is actually more about the Manly Ferries than Manly itself. We only hang out at a restaurant/bar near the Manly Wharf, so we didn't see much of Manly.

It takes 30 minutes from the Circular Quay to Manly. On the trip you will pass The Harbour Bridge, The Opera House and get a good view of the Sydney Harbour. Wait until it gets dark before you go back, and you'll have an amazing view of The Harbour Bridge and The Opera House - with their night-time lighting.

I think this is a must do for visitors in Sydney.

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Directions: The ferry departs from Circular Quay.

The Sydney Aquarium was opened in 1988, and is located on the eastern side of Darling Harbour. The aquarium displays more than 11500 fish and aquatic animals, including huge sharks and rays, platypus, seals, fairy penguins, crocodiles and much more.

Properly the best aquarium I have ever visited. I especially like the underwater tunnels where sharks swim above you. There is also a good exhibition of the Great Barrier Reef coral environment.

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Website: www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

The Hyde Park is a good place to start your sightseeing in Sydney. The Park is located close to St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Parliament House (see my other tips) – and within walking distance to the Darling Harbour.

The Park was named after the original Hyde Park in London. It has been used as a recreation area since 1792, first as a racecourse and later as a cricket ground.

In the centre of Hyde Park you’ll find the Archibald Fountain, unveiled in 1932 in honour of Australia’s contribution to the Great War in France.

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St. Mary's Cathedral is the spiritual home of Sydney's Catholic community. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney, and stands on the site of the first Catholic Chapel in Australia.

The foundation stone of the first St. Mary's Chapel was laid by Governor Macquarie in 1821, but the first St. Mary's Cathedral was ruined by a fire in 1865. Three years later, the foundation stone of a new cathedral was blessed by Archbishop Polding. The new Cathedral was an outstanding example of gothic revival architecture, and constructed in local sandstone.

The pope has visited the Cathedral in 1970, 1986 and 1995. St. Mary's Cathedral is located very close to the Hyde Park.

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Address: St. Mary's Road, Sydney.

The Parliament House is a complex of buildings, which date from 1816 through to the mid-1980s, housing the Parliament of New South Wales.

There are guided tours in the Parliament House, but only available on Parliamentary non-sitting days. You must book your tour in advance - admission is free.

The Parliament House is located on Macquarie Street, very close to the Hyde Park and St. Mary's Cathedral.

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Address: Macquarie Street, Sydney
Website: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Government House was built between 1837 and 1845, and was until 1996 the official residence of the governor of New South Wales.

Today the Government House is a museum with an outstanding collection of 19th and 20th century furnishings and decoration. The upstairs rooms have been used as the private quarters for the Governor, Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal family and visiting heads of State.

Admission to the Government House is free.

If you are in the area near the Royal Botanic Gardens, you should consider visiting the Government House. If you don't have the time to enter the museum, you could just enjoy the building itself (another example of Gothic Revival style).

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Address: Macquarie Street, Sydney